Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill.

Dear Neighbors and Friends, As the weather gets better, and we are all getting antsy, I want to outline where Westchester County is headed regarding “re-opening”.  As many of you know, we are part of a region designated by the Governor (the Mid-Hudson region) which includes Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Putnam.  There are two parts to reopening: Metrics and Phases.  These benchmarks have been set by the State Executive branch, and are somewhat fluid.  There are 7 metrics that the Mid-Hudson region must meet, and we have met most of them.  We expect to meet the last ones within a week or so.  But we must continue to meet those metrics every day.  The biggest metric of all is stopping the spread of the virus.  Meeting those metrics means we can progress to Phase 1 - opening some businesses.  (There are 4 phases of “re-opening”).  If we do not meet the metrics as we go forward we will not progress to other phases.  THAT IS WHY ALL OF THE BUSINESSES WILL REQUIRE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.  I am aware that many people do not want to or do not feel the need to wear masks and practice social distancing.  The risk, however, is that we will slow the progress of re-opening (leaving aside the very real health risks of people getting sick for a moment) and continue to suffer economically in ways that will stress our small businesses even more. See the link below for Phase 1 criteria.  When we get to Phase 2, I will distribute that link.  The criteria is subject to change and NYS continues to evolve as to what is needed for businesses to reopen.  Please check with the NYS website for guidelines once your business is due to be open.  If all goes well, and that is a big if, and the metrics in the Mid-Hudson region remain at an acceptable level, within a week or two of the opening for Phase 1 we will progress to Phase 2. Let’s not let our friends, neighbors, business owners and wage earners down.  We have to collectively agree; masks and social distancing are working.  Please consider keeping it that way.  Here is the link for the Phase 1 criteria for reopening, including criteria for opening farms: https://forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase Sincerely,